MEDIA ADVISORY: Humanities Week April 8-12

Make no mistake: the heart of the humanities beats strong at U.Va. Poetry and fiction readings, experimental films, performances, plays and book swaps – Humanities Week at the University of Virginia April 8-12 will be chock-full of events and ways to celebrate the strong tradition of the humanities on Grounds.

Students in a joint humanities and architecture short course will construct a humanities tent to be ground zero for the celebration. The tent will be located in front of the Institute of the Humanities and Global Cultures, the event sponsor, located at #2 Dawson’s Row, just west of New Cabell Hall. Part shelter, part art installation, part movie screen, the tent will be a place for people to gather and engage with the humanities, humanistic social sciences and the arts.

Poetry readings start Monday afternoon, and that night, the winning images of a photography contest, based on students’ study-abroad experiences, will be projected on the tent walls while the students talk about their work.

U.Va. graduates and local professionals will discuss how their humanities majors kick-started their careers. Graduate and undergraduate students will be able to meet to talk about collaborating on research projects.

“Threads of Thought,” a public art installation modeled after Tibetan prayer flags, will be set up for contributions Tuesday on the Lawn. Come decorate a flag with a thought, wish or picture – when the wind blows, your “thoughts” will be spread on the wind throughout the community.

The week wraps up Friday afternoon with a yoga session incorporating reflection on the poetry of John Keats, which will be read throughout class (no yoga experience necessary). Donations at that event will be given to First Book, which provides new books to needy children.

To see the schedule, click here.